Local Football Players Shine at Greenwood Touchdown Club Recognition Event

Greenwood, SC – Local Athletes Honored at Greenwood Touchdown Club Meeting

A few showers are expected early in Greenwood today, followed by overcast skies as the day progresses. The high temperature is forecasted to be 77°F, with light and variable winds. There is a 30% chance of rain, so you might want to carry an umbrella just in case! Tonight, skies will range from partly to mostly cloudy, with a slight chance of a rain shower. The low will be around 64°F with light and variable winds. (Updated: September 18, 2024 @ 1:34 am)

Monday night was a special evening in Greenwood as the Greenwood Touchdown Club welcomed and honored several outstanding local football players. The event, held at the Main Event, saw the first batch of players receiving recognition this season.

Honorees of the Evening

The stars of the night included:

• Calhoun Falls’ Christian Richey
• Emerald’s Christian Foster
• Dixie’s Brandon Nance
• Greenwood Christian’s Leland Reed
• Emerald’s Max Divilbiss

Each of these athletes was acknowledged for their remarkable performances on the field. Christian Richey, a senior linebacker from Calhoun Falls, was named the Greenwood Touchdown Club’s Week 2 Defensive Player of the Week. Richey put up impressive stats with 11 total tackles and two forced turnovers, alongside his offensive contribution of 11 carries for 141 yards and three touchdowns. So far this season, Richey has made 25 tackles.

Emerald’s Junior linebacker, Christian Foster, was recognized as the Week 0/1 Defensive Player of the Week for his outstanding game against Ninety Six. Foster recorded 22 tackles, a tackle for loss, and a fumble recovery. His season stats are equally impressive, with 67 tackles and four tackles for loss over four games.

Brandon Nance, a junior running back from Dixie, was honored as the Week 2 Offensive Player of the Week. Nance played a significant role in his team’s victory at Class 4A Southside, rushing for 138 yards and four touchdowns on 17 carries. He also added a reception for 17 yards and contributed defensively with four tackles and a fumble recovery. This season, Nance has accumulated 338 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.

Lakelands FCA Player of the Year Awards

The Lakelands Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) also took the opportunity to honor their Players of the Year for Emerald and Greenwood Christian School. Max Divilbiss received the award for Emerald, while Leland Reed was honored for Greenwood Christian. Lakelands FCA’s Sarah Crews presented the awards, adding a touch of inspiration to the evening.

Guest Speaker: Tayquon Johnson

The guest speaker for the evening was none other than former Clemson football player Tayquon Johnson, who is now working with the Greenwood City Police Department. Johnson shared his challenging journey, emphasizing the importance of faith, training, and education.

“I hope I inspire you guys into continuing to trust into your faith, trust into your training, and trust into your education to do what is best for you,” Johnson said. “My granddad always told me, ‘Don’t give up on your dreams no matter what they are, no matter how hard the road is, no matter how hard the challenge.'”

Abbeville’s Damarcus Leach was also slated to be honored but couldn’t make it to Monday’s meeting. He will be recognized at the Greenwood Touchdown Club’s next gathering on Sept. 30.

All in all, it was a night filled with celebration and encouragement, spotlighting the efforts and talents of the young athletes in the community. The Greenwood Touchdown Club continues to play an integral role in recognizing and supporting local sports talent.

Contact sports writer Cam Adams at 864-223-1814.